A look back. February 9, 2010. Over one year ago. I created a list of 22 things to do before turning 23. The intentionality of my life as a 22 year old was one of the strongest in my life. While I can’t give credit to “the list” for all of the adventure and progression of my story, I will certainly show my appreciation for having the chance to reflect, do, and dream. I currently am back working at the Naz in a job that I have been able to find both purpose and happiness. The geographical journey went from Sunbury to Dallas, to Columbus, to Galloway, and now in Mount Vernon. The blessings have continued to pour onto my life after several months of anxiety, uncertainty, and some of the roughest battles I have encountered. Needless to say, I’m learning faster and in a larger capacity than ever before. My passions for people, service, and networking have developed and I am learning new ways to embrace these passions.
I successfully completed almost all of the tasks placed in front of me, with the exception of a few:

9. Learn more than 5 songs on the guitar. Write my own song. Writing music ended up being a bigger challenge that I had expected. While I wrote lyrics to several songs, I honestly admit that I lack in the ability of placing this into a music form that is of any substance. With this in mind, my next list will include some adjustments to supplement this.
16. Visit North Carolina. Not completing this task came as a huge bummer, and I was reminded of that last night as UNC fell to Duke. I will be carrying this one over to next year in hopes that the opportunity arises.
18. Make a mistake but get paid for it. Of the entire list, this was the most abstract and open to interpretation of all of them. I was anticipating a “ah-ha!” moment to cross it off the list, but my mistakes didn’t create any payment.
20. Complete the P90X program Two tries, both diminishing after 3-5 weeks. But speaking optimistically, I have lost over 50 lbs since I created that list, and I feel incredibly healthy and energized.

Intentionality is contagious, but does that mean it spreads like wildfire? For several years I have had a quote from John Wesley at the ending of all of my emails. “Catch on fire with enthusiasm, and people will come from miles to see you burn”. I think about the way that I have been affected by people that I meet who are continuously striving for excellence, for a constant challenge of heart and mind; meanwhile pursuing these things unselfishly and with gratitude. I’ve met many people that heard about the annual bucket list or various “Buried Life” aspirations and have reached out to do similar actions. To live and seek fulfillment, perhaps we need to catch on fire and burn so bright that people around us can’t help but look.

Thank you for being a part of my story as a 22- year old. With the beginning of 23 comes the opportunity for me to process everything that has happened in the last twelve months, and the excitement that comes while considering the next twelve. The new list will soon be up.